Electric Vehicle Recalls in 2022: The Latest Updates

by Justin Fischer | Last updated Oct 12, 2022 | Electric Vehicles, News

As drivers warm up to the idea of going electric, every electric vehicle recall is sure to turn heads, regardless of severity. 2022 is a huge year for automakers unveiling their next generation of electric vehicles. With over half a trillion dollars invested in EVs, there’s a lot riding on the success of these new arrivals. Several electric vehicle models have already been subjected to recalls. Fortunately, most of them do not directly involve electric powertrains. These are the EVs facing recalls in 2022. We’ll update this page as future recalls are inevitably announced.

Rivian Recalls

October 2022 – Rivian recalled every vehicle it has produced, including all R1T electric trucks, R1S electric SUVs, and EDVs produced for Amazon. The vehicles were recalled because of concerns that a bolt in steering assemblies wasn’t sufficiently tightened.

No accidents have been reported, but the recall is still causing massive headaches for the young automaker. The recall fix is already available, it’s as simple as tightening a (very important) screw. However, the challenge lies in the limited locations of Rivian Service Centers. For example, the state of Texas has one service center in Houston. There are just 5 Rivian service centers on the entire East Coast. Most locations are in California. See the full list of locations.

Fortunately, Rivian has mobile service technicians, but they’ll surely have their hands full. See additional details on the Rivian recall here.

Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra Recalls

June 23, 2022 – The Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra are EV siblings co-developed by the two Japanese automakers. Just a month into deliveries, the two models have been recalled globally due to an issue with their wheel hub bolts that could in fact cause the wheels to fall off. Fortunately, the issue does not involve Toyota and Subaru’s brand-new electric powertrain. 

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notice warns owners not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. This isn’t a good look considering the significance of Toyota’s first all-electric vehicle. A bZ4X and Solterra recall remedy is currently under development according to the US NHTSA.

“The cause of the issue and the driving patterns under which this issue could occur are still under investigation,” the notice says.

The recall affects 2,700 bZ4x models and 2,600 Solterras globally. See if your Toyota bZ4X VIN number is subject to the recall at Toyota’s official recall page. You can check if your Subaru Solterra is impacted at Subaru’s official recall site.

Ford F-150 Lightning Recalls

June 27, 2022 – The electric F-150 Lightning is the most-anticipated new model making a debut this year. Ford Motor is recalling 2,906 F-150 Lightnings because of a software issue that could result in a failure to provide low tire pressure warnings. The 200,000 F-150 Lightning reservation holders are certainly relieved to find that this recall is not related to Ford’s all-new electric powertrain. 

In this particular recall, simple human error is at fault. Ford says that the recommended tire cold inflation pressure was incorrectly set to 35 psi instead of 42 psi. No accidents have resulted from this F-150 Lightning recall, but it’s the fix that’s noteworthy. The recall gives Ford a publicized opportunity to show the world that the F-150 Lightning is OTA capable. Over-the-air updates, first implemented on a large scale by Tesla, are no easy feat. Plenty of automakers can update navigation and infotainment via OTA update, but few are capable of firmware OTA updates that tinker with the powertrain. 

Learn more about how over-the-air updates are changing how cars get serviced.

F-150 Lightning Recall Fix: Those who wish to receive the recall fix immediately may head to a Ford dealership service center immediately. Otherwise, Ford says the over-the-air update will be available to download via home WiFi within a few weeks. Check to see if your F-150 Lighting VIN number is impacted by the recall at Ford’s official recall page.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 Recalls

May 13, 2022 – As an IONIQ 5 owner myself, I was not thrilled to see the first manufacturer recall coming in one month into ownership. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai and Kia have announced a recall for select VIN numbers of the 2022 model year Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.

The IONIQ 5 and EV6 share Hyundai Motor Group’s new e-GMP electric platform. The recall is for the potential for disruptions to the vehicle’s parking actuator system when the vehicle is off. Sudden voltage fluctuations may occur while the vehicle is off, potentially causing the parked vehicle to disengage from ‘Park’ momentarily. If this occurs while the vehicle is parked on uneven terrain, vehicle rollaway is possible. 

IONIQ 5 and EV6 recall fix: A fix is already available, but you’ll have to visit your Hyundai or Kia dealership service center. I just got the recall fix done at my local Hyundai dealer. They had never seen an IONIQ 5 before, and one employee asked if I was coming in for an oil change. Nevertheless, I was in and out of the dealership in about 30 minutes. 

Check to see if your Hyundai IONIQ 5 is involved in this recall at Hyundai’s official recall page. You can see if your Kia EV6 is impacted at Kia’s official recall page.

Learn more about the IONIQ 5 recall here. Unfazed by the recall and looking to buy an IONIQ 5? Here’s how I found a Limited AWD IONIQ 5 at MSRP. It wasn’t easy.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Recalls

June 14, 2022 – Ford is recalling all 50,000 Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers because of the risk of power loss. The possible power loss could occur while the vehicle is in motion or parked. 

The recall is due to problems with the Mustang Mach-E’s battery contactor, which is a switch that determines which vehicle components the battery sends power to. Interestingly, the power loss is more likely to occur when putting the pedal to the metal for maximum acceleration, according to Ford. If power loss occurs, a powertrain malfunction warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, and the vehicle will display “Stop Safely Now’ in the gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. Clearly, it’s time to pull over immediately with a message like that. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E recall fix: Ford has pursued Tesla in more ways than one. In addition to ending EV lease buyouts and going for direct-to-consumer sales via Ford Model e, Ford has brought over-the-air updates to its lineup. Ford says that Mustang Mach-E owners will receive an over-the-air update sometime in July to install a software remedy for the recall. Until then, a stop-sale is in place. 

Learn more about the Ford Mustang Mach-E recall at Ford’s official recall page.

CarEdge’s Take

Several hundred automotive recalls happen every year across vehicle classes and powertrains. There will surely be more to come. What we’ll be keeping an eye on is how the latest electric powertrains are performing. Luckily, most of the EV recalls to date have been for components other than the electric powertrain. However, we all remember how the Chevrolet Bolt recall and fire hazard tarnished GM’s reputation. Check back for the latest updates!